Gilbert Ward Academy Officially Opened by Nolberto Solano

We are immensely proud to announce that Gilbert Ward Academy, part of Prosper Learning Trust, was officially opened by Nolberto Solano on 5 September 2024.

The official opening was attended by local dignitaries, staff, governors, representatives from the DfE, staff from Northumberland County Council, staff from building contractor - Bowmer and Kirkland, and members of the local community.

Two Gilbert Ward Academy pupils Kevin and Rory held the ribbon while Nolberto Solano cut it to mark the official opening of Prosper Learning Trust’s fifth school.

Nolberto Solano said “It’s an honour to be here to open this beautiful building, what you are doing here is amazing.”

Gilbert Ward Academy currently has 50 pupils who have social, emotional, and mental health needs (SEMH) and will eventually accommodate up to 80 pupils.

Barry Reed, Headteacher, Gilbert Ward Academy, said "As the Headteacher of Gilbert Ward Academy, I am immensely proud to be celebrating the official opening of our new school. This day represents much more than the completion of a building; it’s the fulfilment of a shared vision that will positively impact the lives of countless children, their families, and our community for years to come.

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who made this vision a reality. From the Department for Education’s Free School Programme to Northumberland County Council for submitting the proposal for Gilbert Ward Academy. A special mention goes to Bowmer and Kirkland for providing us with a beautiful, state-of-the-art facility, and to Mott MacDonald for their unwavering commitment throughout the project.

Already, we’re seeing the positive impact on our pupils, and I have no doubt that this is only the beginning. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this extraordinary journey. We should all be incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved together.”

Chris Richardson, Chief Executive Officer, Prosper Learning Trust said, “It feels like a very significant moment to officially open Gilbert Ward Academy. The journey to arrive at this point has been a long and sometimes challenging one. Although the school has been open for a year and on site since January it remains very satisfying to celebrate its opening officially in this way.  The dedicated staff at GWA are already making a profound difference to the lives of young people in this area and today is a recognition of that and a pointer to a future where they can long continue to do so. I’d like to extend my thanks to Nolberto for coming along today to make the event extra special for everyone involved.” 

Please see the video below of the highlights from the opening event.

Photo One, L-R: Joanne Clifford-Swan - Chair of Trustees Prosper Learning Trust, Nolberto Solano, Chris Richardson - Chief Executive Officer Prosper Learning Trust, Barry Reed - Headteacher Gilbert Ward Academy.

Photo Two, L-R: Pupil Rory, Nolberto Solano and Pupil Kevin